Forte plays big role in Bears' potent offense

He runs for 80 yards and a TD, and adds 40 yards receiving

September 09, 2012|By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter

Matt Forte wasn't deterred after the Bears struggled to get the offense started Sunday.

Forte was the targeted receiver on the first play of the team's second drive, when Jay Cutler sailed a pass that was intercepted by Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman and returned 4 yards for a touchdown.

"I think we had a little first-game jitters," Forte said. "It showed the resilience of our offense to come back, after giving up a turnover and a touchdown, to come back and put a lot of points on the board."

Forte was a big part of the offensive attack with 80 rushing yards on 16 carries, 40 yards receiving on three catches, and a 6-yard touchdown run. He used a timely block by rookie Evan Rodriguez en route to a 32-yard run and even added a one-handed catch.

"That's part of being a running back," Forte said. "You've got to run the ball. You've got to have power; catch the ball. Block. All that stuff. So, I take pride in trying to perfect every aspect of being a running back."

New look:Brian Urlacher said he was excited to see some of the new wrinkles defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli implemented during the preseason. The most noticeable difference was seeing defensive end Julius Peppers playing inside a lot more on third-down situations.

"We have a good rotation," Peppers said. "We communicate. Sometimes, I want to go inside. Sometimes, I don't. Sometimes, other guys want to go inside. It's basically … it's a decision that we all make."

The first time the Colts faced a third down, the Bears used Peppers and Shea McClellin on the edges and kicked Israel Idonije inside with defensive tackle Henry Melton. Later, Melton saw a couple of snaps at right defensive end with Peppers and Stephen Paea inside and Idonije at left end.

Melton sacked Andrew Luck twice, both on inside rushes. Corey Wootton got Luck once. And the Bears put five hits on Luck, led by Melton with two.

Rookie mistake: First-round pick McClellin saw plenty of action at defensive end and was credited with a quarterback hit.

"It was fun out there," McClellin said. "I had a great time. There are always some things you need to work on. I'm just going to go review the tape."

McClellin was whistled for a neutral-zone infraction that negated a sack and forced fumble by Peppers.

"I thought I backed up a little bit, but they still called it," McClellin said. "(Teammates) gave me a hard time. Rookie mistake, I guess."

Extra points: With Sunday's appearance, long snapper Patrick Mannelly set the team's all-time record for seasons played with 15. ... Punter Adam Podlesh, who started the game coming off a left hip flexor, averaged 41.6 yards on five punts with a net of 35.2 His long was 50. … Matt Toeaina started at nose tackle although Paea was listed as the starter before kickoff. … Devin Hester handled the only two kickoffs fielded by the Bears and averaged 24.5 on his returns. … Inactive for the Bears were Ryan Quigley, Dane Sanzenbacher, Jeremy Jones, Edwin Williams, Amobi Okoye and Cheta Ozougwu. Quarterback Jason Campbell and offensive lineman Chilo Rachal were the only active Bears who did not see action.